Low income Population 2026

As of 2025, the combined population of low-income economies, as defined by the World Bank aggregate, stands at approximately 624.6 million people. This figure represents one of the fastest-growing population segments globally, with a one-year growth rate of 2.77% and a ten-year average annual growth rate of 2.74%.

Population
624,608,098
Estimate for 2026
1-year growth
+2.77%
10-year avg growth
+2.74%

Population Trend

Overview

The low-income country aggregate, tracked by the World Bank, encompasses nations with the lowest gross national income (GNI) per capita. With a 2025 population of roughly 624.6 million, these countries account for a substantial share of global population growth, reflecting higher fertility rates and declining mortality in many regions. The ten-year average growth rate of 2.74% per year indicates sustained demographic momentum, outpacing the global average and most middle- and high-income groups.

Regional concentration is heavily skewed toward sub-Saharan Africa, which hosts the majority of low-income economies, including countries such as Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Somalia. These nations experience some of the highest rates of urbanization and youth demographics, contributing to the rapid population increase. South Asia also includes low-income economies like Afghanistan, though the region's economic transitions have shifted some countries into lower-middle-income categories over the past decade.

The 2.77% one-year growth rate for 2025 suggests a slight acceleration from the ten-year average, likely driven by sustained high birth rates and improved child survival rates. Economic challenges, such as limited access to healthcare, education, and infrastructure, remain significant but do not dampen population expansion. This demographic trend presents both opportunities for a young labor force and pressures on public services and resource allocation.

Looking ahead, the population of low-income countries is projected to continue growing rapidly, with the ten-year average of 2.74% indicating a doubling time of roughly 25 to 26 years if sustained. This growth rate is a key factor in global demographic shifts, as these nations' share of the world population is increasing, influencing international development priorities, migration patterns, and economic policy discussions.

FAQ

What is the population of low-income countries in 2025?
The population of low-income economies, as classified by the World Bank, is 624,608,098 in 2025.
How fast is the low-income population growing?
The low-income population grew by 2.77% in the past year, and has averaged 2.74% annually over the last decade.
Which regions have the most low-income countries?
Sub-Saharan Africa contains the vast majority of low-income economies, followed by parts of South Asia, such as Afghanistan.
Why does the low-income population grow so quickly?
High fertility rates, declining infant mortality, and a young demographic structure contribute to the rapid growth rate of 2.74% per year on average.
How does the low-income population compare to other World Bank income groups?
Low-income countries are the smallest income group by total population but have the highest growth rate, outpacing lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income groups.

Data sources & terms